So long, farewell

Well folks, its about time to say goodbye. I've had a surprisingly fun time writing these posts. They may continue in the future, just probably not as frequent and it might be reincarnated as another blog.  Probably a little less pharmacy talk, and more real life.

But for right now I'm looking to the future. Europe is less than a month away and then ill live out the rest of my summer at Lake Sallie, working at a retail pharmacy. In the fall life will become more than hectic again, BECAUSE PHARMACY SCHOOL! Im so glad I was able to use this blog to document the application process. Im sure ill laugh at myself in a few years, thinking that I was overreacting, but hey, it happens.

See you soon!
ashlyn

The final few

Since countries are so close together in Europe we are able to visit a lot in a very short amount of time. Our last few days we hit several countries. We will visit Switzerland, Luxembourg and Brussels.

In Switzerland we are going to Interlaken, a quaint town located right next to the Swiss Alps. They have very unique buildings, and really have the ski town feel that you would see in Montana! If only i could bring my skis and hit the slopes!

When I say its right next to the Alps, I mean its right next to the Alps. Wow.

I'm not sure what they have in store for us in these cities, my next meeting is next week and I'm hoping we get our full itinerary! 

School is almost done! Summer is on its way! Hip-hip hooray! 

Franceland, Im coming back!

Ahhhh, Franceland.

The summer before my junior year of high school I was very fortunate to be able to visit France with other French students from my high school. Returning back to France has ALWAYS been my dream, I just had no idea that it would be this soon!  Although I'm quite sure that I've forgotten a lot of the French I learned. Sorry, Mrs Hewitt! Im so excited to be re-visiting my favorite sites in France, especially St. Malo. St. Malo, is my all-time favorite place in France, besides being on the shimmering Eiffel Tower at night :)

Here are a few pictures from my first trip, i can't wait to do a lot of throwback pictures to compare then and now!

Behind Notre Dame!

My friend le Tour Eiffel

Point du Hoc in Normandy

This is the center of Paris, they say that if you touch it you will return to Paris one day, how accurate it is :)

The ocean pool that is created at high tide in St. Malo. When the tide goes back out the water remains. It is super busy during the day time but we went out at night and were the only ones there! It was very cold, and a VERY long swim to the diving platform.

Rome, Italy

The next stop on my trip around European continent- Rome, Italy!

This trip is by far the most nerve wracking of our entire trip. Why? Because we're on our own in Rome. Scary, yet so exciting!

During our trip abroad we also get a summer break, in my eyes not really necessary because the ENTIRE TRIP is a vacation! But moving along, we have 4 days and 3 nights to go anywhere we'd like to go. We currently have a group of 11 students that are Rome bound.  Im so thankful that we were able to get a large crew to go, because the more there are the safer we should be. When we're in Rome were staying at someones apartment. Not everyone was comfortable with hostels, and we all agreed this would be the best plan for us.

Were going to try and pack as much as we can into the few days that we have in Rome. Our apartment is located in the center of Rome so we are very close to the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

We are planning a day trip to visit Florence, Italy. It is a quick trip by train and is a great way for us to see more of what Italy has to offer in just one day!

We also want to visit the Roman Forum, the Spanish steps, any and all ancient ruins, and hopefully the smallest country in the world-- Vatican City! I'm Catholic, and have already been fortunate enough to visit Notre Dame, and I would LOVE to visit the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica.

Im so excited to eat some true Italian food. I already love pasta, pizza, and gelato, so I'm thinking I should just move to Italy now and get a head start ;)

31 days until we leave!

Greece

The first side trip we take during our trip is to Greece!

Our first day there we will get a walking tour of Athens. I love Greek mythology so I'm really excited to see all the ancient ruins on the Acropolis.  Im not sure what the entire game plan for Athens is, but I know that anything i get to see will be fantastic! Athens is just such a historic city and i can't wait to soak it all in :)

It is impossible to think about Greece without thinking about the blue dome roofs, or Mamma Mia for that matter. So thank goodness we are headed to those blue domes right after we leave Athens! Thats right, like the Kardashians we are headed to Santorini! Every picture I look at of Santorini just gives me a sense of calmness. The clear light blue water and the bright cobalt domes create the most amazing atmosphere. All the buildings are so unique, and cute! I've also been told they have the best sunsets in the WORLD, I am a total sunset girl. Personally Lake Sallie in Detroit Lakes holds m record, but i feel that Santorini could give old lake Sal a run for her money. While in Santorini were hoping to get plenty of sun and time in the ocean. My professor told us that Greece will be hot hot hot while we're there. I hope this NoDak girl can handle it!

Here's just a few pictures of Santorini's gorgeous views. I CANNOT wait to soak it all in for myself!

Dublin, Ireland

When I go to Europe I will be staying at UC Dublin in Dublin, Ireland.

UC is pretty much our base camp. I will take all my classes on campus, taught by NDSU professors, and we will be staying in the UC dorms. The dorms are pretty unique, a lot different than what we have here at NDSU. I will be rooming with six people. SIX. Sounds so weird just saying that. But the awesome part? We each have our own bedroom AND bathroom. I think I can handle that.

We will attend class on campus for part of the day, and go out for activities in the evening. The first few days we will have orientation and class. But soon thereafter we have a walking tour of Dublin planned. We will leave and return to Ireland numerous times, taking trips to other countries in the meantime.  During our time in Ireland we will be visiting Causey Farm,  Butler's Chocolates, the Guinness Factory, a traditional Irish Music Pub. We will also take a few day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle, Waterford, and Blarney. We will also be allowed free days to explore Ireland on our own!

The Cliffs of Moher is grassy plateau region that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It has been in multiple movies including the Princess Bride and Harry Potter. It looks amazing in every picture I've seen!

Killarney is a town in southwest Ireland that we will be visiting. It is home to many beautiful Abbey's and castles and a gorgeous national park.

This picture is from Killarney National Park

Dingle is another town in southwest Ireland that is apart of the tourist string of towns called the Wild Atlantic Way.

Blarney is home to the legendary Blarney Stone that is said to give you the gift of eloquence if you kiss it!

in every photo I've seen so far you have to lean over like this to kiss it, not quite sure why..

Waterford is home to a major Crystal Factory and is also one of the oldest cities in Ireland.

I'm part Irish so I'm pretty giddy about being able to visit part of my heritage :)

EUROTRIP

I just booked tickets to Rome, Italy. Is this real life.

Yes, it most certainly is, wow. As I mentioned earlier I am studying abroad for part of this summer in Europe for 6 weeks. I think about my trip every single day. Which is why I want to spend my last two blogging weeks laying out my plan of attack for those 6 weeks. We are visiting so many places and countries I can hardly keep track. So for memories sake, Im laying it all out on the blog! Whoop Whoop!

The study abroad program is part of my business minor which will be completed while I am on the trip. I mentioned here.

It's Meredith's fault

Maybe I'm just watching too much Grey's Anatomy, but I've felt a strong pull towards the clinical side of Pharmacy practice these days.

I currently work in a retail pharmacy environment, which I love, but somedays it feels like I am doing the same thing day in and day out. And like I said it could be too much Grey's, but hospital life seems so much more exciting and adventurous, especially in a large hospital. Since I haven't had too much experience besides my local hospital pharmacy, I'm not really sure what the clinical side is like. In a town of 2,000 its usually not too exciting, trust me. Im really hoping that I get the opportunity to work in a hospital pharmacy before I graduate, I know that I will during my rotations in the P4 year, however I'm up for an experience sooner rather than later. We will just have to see where the wind blows.

Ebola Vaccine

While the Ebola pandemic seems to be on its way out the door, the CDC is still in the thick of it.

Currently they are testing a vaccine for Ebola in Sierra Leone. The program is called STRIVE- Sierra Leone Trial to Introduce a Vaccine against Ebola. They are currently in phases 2 and 3 of testing the vaccine that they have developed. They have chosen to test the vaccine in the 5 areas that were hit the hardest by the Ebola virus. The article on the CDC page stated they may extend their area of testing if necessary, as the Ebola virus has been unpredictable in areas of outbreak.

One of the important aspects of this mission is that they are choosing not to use a placebo. Each participant in the trial will receive the vaccine at one point during the study. For some it may be immediate, while others will be in the deferred group. I think its important that every member receives the vaccine, due to the nature of the virus. It is best to protect as many people as possible while testing this vaccine, leaving no one in harms way if the outbreak comes back in full force.

The FDA is a dog lover too.

I'm a dog lover through and through. Puppy love is the best kind of love, so when the FDA released a statement that they are looking to punish companies who release unapproved pet medications I did a little cheer. The FDA is a dog lover too.

I think its important to look out for the health and safety of all animals, and I'm glad the FDA is bringing this into the limelight. Most of the time we think of dogs, cats, etc, as just pets, but for my family and many others pets are FAMILY and treated as such. Pets are occasionally someone's only family, I can't imagine giving my pet a medication that ends up killing them when it is supposed to help them, its a quick way to lose your whole world.

 They're also looking to increase the amount of drugs available for pets!

Double thumbs up!

Yes! Yes! and more Yes!

I read an article from the LA Times today that I absolutely love! It talked about Pharmacists getting out from behind the counter and meeting with their patients face to face. They help them by going through their medication lists, and working on their diet and exercise plans. This is the pharmacist I want to be. I want to be in front of my patients not telling them, but helping them create their own plan for success. It not only creates lasting relationships with patients, but also gives them a more manageable plan of action.

I think is a super important reason that we need to pass the law that gives provider status. Many pharmacists are willing and able to provide these services for their patients. the article stated that 1/3 to a 1/2 of americans do not take their medications correctly. If we can give pharmacists a greater role in the care of their patients we can create better adherence and make their condition more manageable.

Keep on keeping on California! Hope we will be joining you soon in your mission for healthier communities!

Here is the article from the LA Times

Family

My family is amazing. Each and every member of my immediate and extended family has reached out to congratulate me on my acceptance into pharmacy school. Some have been really sweet, and others have been just plain funny. One of my brothers always wants to embarrass me, and thats just what he did. I wanted to remember these posts for years to come. So i wanted to post them here so I can keep track of them. Everything seems to get lost in the Facebook universe these days.

That guy right there is my pharmacy role model!

Biggest brother is always nicer than bigger brother

See what I mean... I love him anyway!

Easter Weekend!

Here's to a couple days off from school! Im ready for another break!

Im currently in Arizona spending a few days with family, and one very particular person. My number one Pharmacy role model: my Grandpa!

Back in his day pharmacy school at NDSU was a little different. You went to school for four years and chose pharmacy as your major. At the end of those four years they told you whether or not you could get your pharmacy, or else you had to start all over and choose something else to major in. Can you imagine?! That would be absolutely terrifying! And a lot of school if you didn't get in! Im hoping to spend the long weekend talking shop with him and picking his brain with my many questions. :)

Happy Easter!

April Fools

Its April Fools Day, and if you don't have any pranks I am here to help!

I save pranks all year long, you never know when you're going to need to prank someone. I love having a good trick up my sleeve. But I've also had my fair share of misses, ill let you in on them too.

My personal favorite is putting saran wrap on any bottle that squeezes in the shower. It makes it SUPER frustrating when you can get anything out of your shampoo bottle, especially when you're running late! hehe

Another fave- Put some bubble wrap under your roommate's rugs. The moment they step on the rug the popping will commence. Bonus points if they have a rug at the foot of their bed, now that would be a wakeup call!

If your roommate loves a glass of OJ in the morning, switch it up a little bit. Switch that OJ packet and mix water with the cheese packet from a box of mac-n-cheese instead. It sounds totally gross so make sure to avoid it yourself!

One prank i am not recommending, food coloring on the tooth brush. It doesn't work very well, especially if they have a white toothbrush. It also ruins the toothbrush, I learned this the hard way. My roommate said it was okay, and she needed a new one anyway, but I still felt really bad. 

So hop to it folks! Pranks are fun, just watch out for the rebuttal! ;)

something to think about..

The shock and awe has NOT worn off from last week.

But I wanted to talk about something else today. I get emails from the American Pharmacist's Association daily, and today they took a stance on executions.

They are strongly discouraging all pharmacists from providing the medication that is used for the execution of patients on death row. This is one topic I hadn't thought about when it came to my role as a pharmacist, providing the medication that will end someone's life.  I feel that this is no different than prescribing medication for assisted suicide, and that is happening more and more these days. I mean they are two totally different scenarios but obviously have the same result. I'm not sure of my stance on this issue, I understand the need for punishment for people who have done wrong, but isn't life in jail almost the same thing? But I've never lost someone because of an inmate on death row. Would I feel different? It would test every inch of my morals that's for sure.

 I think this is a good topic to bring up to all medical professionals during their training, we all may face this choice someday. Like I said, I have never thought about my role in something like this, but there is a lot of future ahead of me.

Holy Crap.

I did it. I'm going to be a Pharmacist. Holy crap. This seems so unreal.

It hasn't set in yet and I'm not sure if it ever will.
 I'm almost speechless.
I really don't know what to write because all I want to write is I'm going to be a pharmacist 3000 times and thats probably unacceptable. So since I've never published it before, I wanted to publish the essay that I wrote for my application. Because it explains my excitement about this oh so well! I'll never forgot writing down my goals freshman year signing that piece of paper Ashlyn Riedesel, Pharm D. And its coming true, my dreams are coming true. Wow

I'm going to be a Pharmacist.

My application essay:

Through my life experiences and working in pharmacies in both North Dakota and Minnesota, I know pharmacy is my calling. I love the fast-paced environment that requires constant problem solving, stellar communication skills, and most importantly the opportunity to help and serve others. When I put together all the different ingredients of my life, I see a perfectly compounded prescription of a pharmacist. The ingredients of my compound have come from different phases in my life; however, they each play an equal role in creating the precise prescription.   

            The first ingredient is the choosing of my minor. When I began my schooling at NDSU, I decided it would be a great idea to minor in business administration. As a North Dakotan, I visit my local pharmacy and observe the pharmacist serving dual roles. He/She is able to own and manage several pharmacies while still serving patients at all locations. I want to be prepared for the business aspect that accompanies a North Dakota Pharmacist’s role. With NDSU’s tremendous business school, I knew that this was the best plan for me in order to gain an advantage in my future career. I have also chosen to study abroad this summer within the school of business to broaden my horizons and knowledge. I feel that this experience will help me to understand the language barrier that I may encounter with patients as I move through my career.

            The second ingredient of my pharmacist compound is my reason for choosing this career. I have been blessed to have numerous pharmacy role models throughout my life. My grandfather, uncle and cousin are all NDSU pharmacy graduates. I grew up observing their passion for their patients, customers, and their career that left me wanting to discover it for myself. It also lead me to pursue NDSU, as it would be an honor for me to attend the same university that they have chosen.

            There is one other reason why I want to become a pharmacist; I want to save my brother’s life. My brother was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 7 years old and I was 4. I was too young to know what it all meant, but I was devoted to being his caretaker. As the years went on I was still peering over his shoulder with every shot and finger prick. I tagged along to doctor visits as well as dietetics meetings to help count his carbohydrates at every meal. I was right by his side for all of the high and low blood sugars, the literal highs and lows of type one. Although I have tried to make everything better and bearable, there is one thing I cannot do for him. I can’t cure him of this disease. My hope is that in the course of my pharmacy career that I will be able to dispense the medication that will put him on the path towards a recovery or even cure him from this damaging disease.  

            The third ingredient is my passion. Working in the pharmacy is my favorite thing to do. I go into work wide-eyed and eager each and every day because I know that I will make a difference in someone’s life, and that is pretty incredible. The pharmacy is such a stimulating atmosphere with twists and turns around every corner, challenging me in ways I never expected to be challenged in. This has only deepened my love for this profession, keeping my mind occupied long after the workday has commenced. If I run into any thought-provoking questions throughout the day I either ask my pharmacist or research the topic moment my workday finishes. I never want to stop learning, and I know pharmacy will allow me to do just that.

            The fourth ingredient that needs to be added to the compound is volunteering. I found my desire to work with and help people through volunteering in my hometown. Through the years I have worked with all ages, from the very young to the elderly. Teaching the youngest of ballerinas dance lessons has taught me patience and given me tremendous courage. From the delivery and service to the elderly through Meals on Wheels and the Sports Boosters I have gained compassion and continuously gained respect for others. I believe these character qualities transfer equally to the pharmacy. A pharmacist must be all of these things in order to serve their patients to the highest level.

            There we have it, mix equal parts of the ingredients together until smooth. Store the compound in a cool dry place after mixing. Instructions to the patient are to apply once daily until a pharmacist is created. Becoming a pharmacist requires long hours, a grueling course load, and continuous dedication. I am up for the challenge and I know it will be worth the hard work and effort in the end.

Dear Freshman Me

Ive seen a lot of letters to me lately and I wanted to write one to my freshman self. My first days of college were pretty scary and I would have loved to give myself some advice.



Dear Freshman Ashlyn,

I know you're scared, and you really don't want to be here right now, but college will be the best years of your life. I promise.

I know you're worried about making friends, since you're actually kind of shy. You'll meet your best friend, just three days in. Yes I know you're doubting me, but it will really happen. She will pick you up during your worst days and make you laugh so hard you'll cry. She will let you sleep in her bed every weekend of school just so you can avoid a certain someone. You'll also meet your best guy friends that stick up for you and are always willing to help you out. You'll find lifelong friends that live right down the hall. Dorm life, although it REALLY sucks is where all your friendships will grow and multiply. So meet as many people as you can in your dorm and your friends' dorms.

School will be tough. There is no doubt about that, I'm sure you already have an idea. But don't be afraid to take a study break and hang out with friends. Please don't skip birthday dinners and movie nights just to study, you can't make those memories up. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I know you hate to give in and love to do things for yourself, but you don't know everything. The sooner you go and get hep the sooner you will understand. Your future self will be less critical if you can get A's in all those early classes. Sorry, but I'm still a little bitter.

Don't forget about your friends from home. I know you're ready to make new friends, but like the song, make new friends and keep the old. Sometimes the only people who understand the shock and awe of the latest Facebook post will be your high school bestie. Keep her close, keep all your friends from home close, you're in this big new world together and no one will no you better than them.

Be spontaneous. We've gotten better and better at trying new and crazy things, but I'm going to tell you now to be spontaneous. It's so much more fun that way :)

You're doing well, and I'm proud of you for making the decision to become a pharmacist. Your love for this profession will only continue to increase.

And believe it or not you will actually get a JOB.

Go get'em girl!

The letter.

The hyperventilating has begun.

The letter has been sent out. I repeat, the letter has been sent out.

Within the next 24-48 hours my life will change. Hopefully for the better and not the worst. I mean there's really nothing I can do at this point, whats done is done. I just really want to know! Im so ready for my future and to take the next step.

Here's to hoping I have good news to report on Thursday or Friday.  :)

Geeking Out

Being apart of the pharmacy atmosphere makes me a total geek for all things pharmacy. Just by browsing Pinterest, I found so many cheesy pill shaped things that I would love to have and use.

Capsule Magnets would be perfect to put all my pharmacy related achievements on the fridge!

A USB for all my class projects? Even better! 

Everyone in class would be jealous if they saw my pill shaped highlighters!

I would probably get to class on time if I had this pill alarm clock!!

My fellow pharmacy technicians would get a kick out of getting these pill shaped nail polishes!

And finally.. Pill shaped earrings. I bet my customers would ask if they were real! So Fun!

Our PSA

I wanted to post our PSA that we created for English, because there are a few people out there that see this page.

We had such a great time filming it! It was funny to see all the looks we were getting while filming in the mall. Our blooper reel could have been hours and hours because we were laughing through the entire process! I loved being able to make this video with Lauren and Hannah and our friends!

We all feel that this is a very important message that everyone needs to see, young and old alike!

Enjoy!